MINUTES - Council - 20190723
Town of Aurora
Council Meeting Minutes
Council Chambers, Aurora Town Hall
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Attendance
Council Members Mayor Mrakas in the Chair; Councillors Gaertner, Gilliland,
Humfryes, Kim, and Thompson
Members Absent Councillor Gallo
Other Attendees Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer, Robin McDougall,
Director of Community Services, Techa van Leeuwen, Director of
Corporate Services, Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director of
Finance, Allan Downey, Director of Operations, David Waters,
Director of Planning and Development Services, Stephanie
Mackenzie-Smith, Manager of Corporate Communications,
Patricia De Sario, Town Solicitor, Michael de Rond, Town Clerk,
and Linda Bottos, Council/Committee Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
1. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
2. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 2 of 14
3. Community Presentations
(a) Nichole Campsall, Youth & Community Development Coordinator, and
Julie Stephenson, Youth Programmer
Re: John West Memorial “Leaders of Tomorrow” Scholarship Award
Ms. Campsall and Ms. Stephenson provided an overview of the achievements
and community involvement of Ms. Nuscha Fathianpour, graduate of École
secondaire catholique Renaissance, and Ms. Nicole In, graduate of Dr. G. W.
Williams Secondary School. Ms. Fathianpour and Ms. In (represented by her
mother, Ms. Eunha Kim, who accepted on her behalf) were each presented
with the John West Memorial “Leaders of Tomorrow” Scholarship Award by
Mayor Mrakas and Robin McDougall, Director of Community Services.
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the presentation be received for information.
Carried
4. Delegations
None
5. Consent Agenda
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the following Consent Agenda items, C1 to C5 inclusive, be approved:
C1. Council Meeting Minutes of June 25, 2019
1. That the Council meeting minutes of June 25, 2019, be adopted as
printed and circulated.
C2. Council Closed Session Minutes of July 16, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session minutes of July 16, 2019, be adopted
as printed and circulated.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 3 of 14
C3. Council Closed Session Public Minutes of July 16, 2019
1. That the Council Closed Session Public minutes of July 16, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C4. Council Public Planning Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2019
1. That the Council Public Planning meeting minutes of June 26, 2019, be
adopted as printed and circulated.
C5. Memorandum from Councillor Gaertner
Re: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority Board Meeting
Highlights of June 28, 2019
1. That the memorandum regarding Lake Simcoe Region Conservation
Authority Board Meeting Highlights of June 28, 2019, be received for
information.
Carried
6. Standing Committee Reports
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the following Standing Committee Reports items, S1 to S3 inclusive, be
received and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved:
S1. General Committee Meeting Report of July 16, 2019
1. That the General Committee meeting report of July 16, 2019, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved, with the
exception of sub-items A1, R1, R4, R5, and R8, which were discussed
and voted on separately as recorded below:
(C1) CS19-023 – Election Wrap-up
1. That Report No. CS19-023 be received for information.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 4 of 14
(C2) PDS19-058 – Request to Remove a Property from the Aurora
Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or
Interest, 84 Mosley Street East
1. That Report No. PDS19-058 be received; and
2. That the property located at 84 Mosley Street be removed from the
Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest;
and
3. That prior to the issuance of a Building Permit, future building
elevations be subject to review by Planning staff and/or the Design
Review Panel to ensure the sympathetic design of any replacement
building.
Carried
(C3) PDS19-059 – Request to Remove a Property from the Aurora
Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or
Interest, 11 Irwin Avenue
1. That Report No. PDS19-059 be received; and
2. That the property located at 11 Irwin Avenue be removed from the
Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest.
Carried
(C4) PDS19-061 – Approval for Capital Project No. 34533 – Traffic
Calming Measures in School Zones
1. That Report No. PDS19-061 be received; and
2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval for
Capital Project No. 34533 – Traffic Calming Measures in School
Zones in the amount of $20,000.
Carried
(A1) Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 5, 2019
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 5 of 14
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
5, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
(A2) Community Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 20, 2019
1. That the Community Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June
20, 2019, be received for information.
Carried
(A3) Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 26, 2019
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee meeting minutes of June 26,
2019, be received for information.
Carried
(R1) CMS19-020 – Library Square – Library Corridor Extension
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
1. That Report No. CMS19-020 be received; and
2. That Library Corridor Extension, new Yonge Street Entrance and
Multi-purpose rooms - Option C, be approved and the total Library
Square project budget be increased by $5,465,300 to be funded as
per the recommended funding strategy.
Carried
(R2) CMS19-019 – Library Square Project – Next Steps
1. That Report No. CMS19-019 be received for information.
Carried
(R3) FS19-025 – Library Square – Financial Update
1. That Report No. FS19-025 be received for information.
Carried
(R4) PDS19-063 – Library Square – Church Street Parking – Design
Options Recommendation Report
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 6 of 14
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS19-063 be received; and
2. That staff be directed to proceed with Design Option 2B for the
Church Street right-of-way; and
3. That Town staff continue to liaise with York Region Transit and the
consultants to ensure there are no conflicts with the existing bus
route.
Carried
(R5) PDS19-015 – Municipal Stormwater Funding Approach
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS19-015 be received; and
2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval for
Capital Project No. 42059 – Storm Sewer Reserve Fund and Rates
Study in the amount of $100,000.
Carried
(R6) PDS19-057 – Yonge Street Rail Bridge (Metrolinx) Architectural
Cladding Concepts
1. That Report No. PDS19-057 be received; and
2. That Metrolinx be advised that Concept 4: Double Fin Curve with
Aurora identity signage is the preferred architectural cladding option
for the Yonge Street Rail Bridge.
Carried
(R7) OPS19-018 – Improvements to Fleury Park Washroom Facility
1. That Report No. OPS19-018 be received; and
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 7 of 14
2. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional approval of Capital
Project No. 73242 – Improvements to Fleury Park Washroom
Facility in the amount of $250,000.
Carried
(R8) PDS19-036 – Approval of Capital Project No. 81023 – Urban Design
Guidelines for Stable Neighbourhoods Study Area
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS19-036 be received; and
2. That the Urban Design Guidelines be presented to a future Council
meeting; and
3. That this report satisfy Council’s conditional budget approval in the
amount of $75,000 for work undertaken for Capital Project No.
81023 – Urban Design Guidelines for Stable Neighbourhoods Study
Area.
Carried
S2. Audit Committee Meeting Report of June 25, 2019
1. That the Audit Committee meeting report of June 25, 2019, be received
and the recommendations carried by the Committee approved:
(1) FS19-022 – 2018 Audited Financial Statements with Audit Report
1. That Report No. FS19-022 be received; and
2. That the 2018 Audit Reports and Financial Statements for the year-
ended December 31, 2019 be approved and published on the
Town’s website; and
3. That the 2019 year-end audit plan as proposed by BDO Canada LLP
be endorsed.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 8 of 14
S3. Budget Committee Meeting Report of June 18, 2019
1. That the Budget Committee meeting report of June 18, 2019, be received
for information.
Carried
7. Consideration of Items Requiring Discussion (Regular Agenda)
Council consented to consider items R1 and R2 prior to consideration of the items
pulled for discussion under Section 6, Standing Committee Reports.
R1. PDS19-064 – Economic Development Strategic Plan
Mr. Tim Hammill, Chair, and Ms. Marilee Harris, Vice Chair, Aurora Economic
Development Corporation Board, presented an overview of the Board and the
Strategic Plan process, including the Board’s history and role in strategic planning,
mission, four main goals, and next steps.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That Report No. PDS19-064 be received; and
2. That the attached Economic Development Strategic Plan as presented by
the Aurora Economic Development Corporation Board be approved; and
3. That staff report back with an Implementation Strategy at a future Council
meeting.
Carried
R2. FS19-018 – Capital Close Report as of December 31, 2018
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
1. That Report No. FS19-018 be received; and
2. That the capital project closures and capital funding adjustments outlined
in Attachments #1 and #2 be approved.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 9 of 14
8. Motions
(a) Councillor Thompson
Re: Advisory Committee Chair Rotation
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
Whereas the Town’s Procedure By-Law and Policy for Ad/Hoc Advisory
Committees and Local Boards govern all meetings; and
Whereas in the interest of good governance there is value in rotating the
Committee Chair; and
Whereas the rotation of roles and responsibilities can develop/enhance a
committee member’s skillset, create additional engagement, and help build a
stronger ‘team’ environment; and
Whereas some committees/boards, such as Aurora Public Library Board, Joint
Council Committee, and Finance Advisory Committee, already rotate the
Chair;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the Town’s Policy for Ad
Hoc/Advisory Committees and Local Boards be amended so that the
position of Chair and Vice Chair of each Advisory Committee be for a one-
year term; and
2. Be It Further Resolved That at the start of each calendar year elections be
held for the Chair and Vice Chair positions, and that no citizen member
may act as Chair or Vice Chair for more than two years in a single term of
Council; and
3. Be It Further Resolved That members of Council may serve as Chair
should no citizen member put their name forward, and that members of
Council not be subject to any term restrictions.
Carried
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 10 of 14
(b) Councillor Gaertner
Re: Stormwater Infrastructure Review
Council consented to vote on the two operative clauses separately. After voting on the
first clause, the mover and seconder agreed to withdraw the second clause.
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
Seconded by Councillor Kim
Whereas Council passed a Motion in 2018 to investigate the condition of
Aurora’s stormwater infrastructure, including required maintenance and
enhancements; and
Whereas the purpose of the Motion was to ensure that the municipality is
prepared to cope with climate change’s predicted intense rains and resulting
stormwater in order to protect our residents against flooding; and
Whereas PSD was retained and submitted a report to the Town in December
2018; and
Whereas this report was included as an index item in our 2019 Capital Budget,
but has not been put on a General Committee report for discussion and action;
and
Whereas this Report “provides an audit of the existing asset management
capacity within the following key competencies:
1. Organizational Cognisance
2. Organizational Capacity
3. Infrastructure Data and Information
4. Levels of Service Framework
5. Asset Management Strategies
a. Condition Assessment Protocols
b. Risk and Criticality Models
c. Lifecycle Management
6. Financial Strategies”; and
Whereas some of the key requirements in achieving optimal asset
management include the degree to which asset management is understood by
both senior management and Council, and the evaluation of Town
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 11 of 14
infrastructure with respect to: Roads and the three Water Networks, Bridges
and Culverts, Buildings and Facilities; and Parks and Recreation; and
Whereas all of these have been investigated by PSD and the results provided
as Index 1 in Council’s Capital Budget Binder; and
Whereas the research on the stormwater network fulfills the intent of the
Motion passed by Council;
1. Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved That the “State of Maturity Report “
be placed on a General Committee Agenda in September 2019 for study
and action.
Carried
9. Regional Report
York Regional Council Highlights – June 20 and June 27, 2019
Moved by Councillor Humfryes
Seconded by Councillor Gilliland
That the Regional Reports of June 20 and June 27, 2019, be received for
information.
Carried
10. New Business
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the status of her earlier motion regarding red
light cameras, and staff provided a response.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the plaque replacement process for a resident’s
house listed on the Aurora Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or
Interest. Staff provided a response noting that the Councillor may forward the
resident’s email request to the Director of Planning and Development Services.
Councillor Gaertner inquired about the Town’s policy on staff response to
voicemail messages from residents. Staff provided a response noting that any
complaints about difficulties contacting staff may be forwarded to the responsible
Director or the Chief Administrative Officer.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 12 of 14
Councillor Gaertner referred to complaints received from residents of Centre Street
regarding speeding vehicles travelling eastbound from Yonge Street and inquired
about the process for implementation of traffic calming measures, noting that an
earlier petition had not met the required number of household signatures. Mayor
Mrakas suggested that the Councillor bring forward a Notice of Motion.
Councillor Gaertner referred to emails received from residents located in the area
around the Highland Gate development regarding debris and dirt falling down the
slopes. Mayor Mrakas requested that any complaints be forwarded to him as he
continues to communicate regularly with the developer.
Mayor Mrakas suggested that a clearer understanding of the planning process is
needed, particularly regarding applications to the Committee of Adjustment, and
requested that information be provided to the community. Staff advised that a short
video on how the process works would soon be available on the Town’s website.
11. Public Service Announcements
Councillor Gilliland extended a reminder about not leaving pets in vehicles during
hot weather, and advised residents to contact the Town’s Animal Services at 1-
877-979-PAWS to report any pet in an unattended vehicle.
Councillor Humfryes announced that the fall 2019 Community Services Program
Guide would be delivered in the July 25, 2019 edition of The Banner, and more
information can be found at aurora.ca/recguide.
Councillor Humfryes advised that the Town is seeking volunteers for the 2019
Doors Open Aurora event and more information, including the application form to
be submitted by Wednesday, July 31, 2019, is available at aurora.ca/doorsopen.
Councillor Kim advised that the Town’s partners at Desjardins continue to offer
free recreational activities for Aurorans, noting that the schedule of free
programming can be found at aurora.ca/desjardinsdays.
Councillor Kim extended a reminder about the Desjardins Pool at the Aurora
Family Leisure Complex being closed for refurbishment until Friday, August 23,
2019, noting that pool activities are available at the Stronach Aurora Recreation
Complex during this temporary closure.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 13 of 14
Councillor Gaertner announced that the Town has implemented a mandatory
Backflow Prevention Program to protect drinking water from contamination, and
residents may learn more about the program at an open house on Thursday, July
25, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
Councillor Thompson extended a reminder about the summer Concerts in the Park
series held every Wednesday at Town Park, noting that more information can be
found at aurora.ca/summerconcerts.
Councillor Thompson encouraged all to attend Aurora’s Ribfest—featuring two
iconic bands, Honeymoon Suite and The Spoons—being held Friday, August 23
through Sunday, August 25, 2019, at Machell Park, and noted that full event
details can be found at aurora.ca/ribfest.
Councillor Thompson advised that the organizers of the CP Women’s Open event
taking place in Aurora on August 19-25, 2019, are looking for more volunteers,
noting that further details and volunteer registration information can be found at
cpwomensopen.com/volunteer.
Mayor Mrakas announced that the Town will be welcoming home Aurora native
and NHL Champion Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues to celebrate his team’s
first-ever Stanley Cup win on Monday, July 29, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at
Machell Park. The Mayor noted that the Stanley Cup will be onsite with Robert
from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and more event information can be obtained by calling 905-
726-4762 or by visiting aurora.ca/stanleycup.
12. By-laws
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the following by-laws be enacted:
(a) By-law Number 6196-19 Being a By-law to appoint a Treasurer for The
Corporation of the Town of Aurora.
(b) By-law Number 6197-19 Being a By-law to regulate various matters relating
to the keeping, licensing and controlling of animals in the Town of Aurora.
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Page 14 of 14
(c) By-law Number 6198-19 Being a By-law to amend By-law Number 6000-17,
as amended, to remove a Holding “(H)” symbol (Shimvest Investments Ltd.,
Prato Estates Inc., and Preserve Homes Corp.).
(d) By-law Number 6199-19 Being a By-law to delegate authority for
administrative matters.
Carried
13. Closed Session
None
14. Confirming By-law
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the following confirming by-law be enacted:
By-law Number 6200-19 Being a By-law to Confirm Actions by Council
Resulting from a Council Meeting on July 23, 2019.
Carried
15. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Gilliland
Seconded by Councillor Humfryes
That the meeting be adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
Carried
_________________________________ _________________________________
Tom Mrakas, Mayor Michael de Rond, Town Clerk